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American Foreign Policy

Definition

American Foreign Policy refers to the strategies and decisions made by the United States government regarding its interactions with other countries. It includes diplomacy, trade agreements, military actions, and humanitarian aid.

Analogy

Think of American Foreign Policy like a game of chess. The U.S. is one player on the board, making strategic moves (policies) to protect its interests while also trying to maintain positive relationships with other players (countries).

Related terms

Diplomacy: This is the practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of states or groups. It involves discussions and compromise to resolve issues and maintain peace.

Trade Agreements: These are contracts between two or more nations that outline the terms of trade between them. They often include details about tariffs, import quotas, and other economic factors.

Humanitarian Aid: This refers to assistance given by organizations or governments to areas facing emergency situations like natural disasters or war. The aim is to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity.

"American Foreign Policy" appears in:

Practice Questions (19)

  • Which political ideology consistently influenced American foreign policy from its founding through the early twentieth century?
  • What was the primary effect of the Spanish-American War on American foreign policy?
  • Which phenomenon happening during both World War I (1914-1918) and Vietnam War (1955-1975) suggests an ongoing trend in American foreign policy?
  • Which part of American foreign policy demonstrated continuity during the Early Republic period?
  • What aspect of American foreign policy persisted from the late 19th to the mid-20th century?
  • Which of the following ideological beliefs has had the most consistent influence on American foreign policy from World War II through the end of the Cold War?
  • Which conflict marked the first major armed confrontation of the Cold War and shaped American foreign policy for more than four decades?
  • How has American foreign policy been consistently influenced since its inception?
  • What factor continuously shaped American foreign policy during Period 4?
  • How did the idea of Manifest Destiny affect American foreign policy?
  • How did World War I impact American foreign policy after the war ended?
  • What significant change could occur in American foreign policy during the period between WWI and WWII if Japan had agreed to limit naval construction under Washington Conference agreements?
  • What aspect of American foreign policy continued during and after World War II?
  • What enduring aspect of American foreign policy was exemplified by the Truman Doctrine during the Cold War era?
  • Which of the following best illustrates the continuity in American foreign policy from 1890 to 1945?
  • What continually influenced American foreign policy throughout the period of societal transition?
  • Which principle has American foreign policy consistently upheld throughout various historical periods?
  • What characterized American foreign policy after defeating communism and becoming world’s sole superpower?
  • Who played a significant role in shaping American foreign policy during the Cold War?


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© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.